Red Bull GRC Atlantic City: Power Rankings

Have you been as desperate to get this Red Bull Global Rallycross season back on track as we are? Thankfully, the wait is over this weekend in a big way: we return to action in Atlantic City for a doubleheader at Bader Field!

As we look toward the final five rounds of the season, the championship contenders and pretenders of the Supercar class are fairly well established, but the results have shown that any driver can take a big victory on any given weekend. That always makes it tough to produce proper power rankings, as the driver who places eighth on paper might be a lock for the podium when cars actually take to the course.

Our experts Chris Leone (RedBullGRC.com) and Dominik Wilde (The Checkered Flag, Autosport), as always, have given it their best shot before this weekend’s event—tell us what you think of their list:

1. Scott Speed

Speed may be second in the points standings to team mate Tanner Foust, but his superior podium record, and his flawless performance in Indianapolis puts him at the top of this list. The reigning double champion usually hits his stride in the second half of the season, so now is the time for the rest of the field to be wary. (DW)

2. Tanner Foust

This championship chase is going to come down to a dogfight, likely between the two Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross drivers, and so far, Foust holds the advantage. Four poles have helped give him the upper hand early on, and if there’s anyone who knows how to defend the top spot, it’s the four-time Fan Favorite Driver. (CL)

3. Steve Arpin

Steve Arpin has had a remarkable season, and he’s still only finished off the podium twice. Coming up are a trio of venues where Arpin and Loenbro Motorsports looked strong last season, so expect the Canadian’s championship challenge to continue. (DW)

4. Mitchell deJong

Want a bold prediction for this weekend? deJong earns his first victory after coming off a DNS in the Indianapolis final. With three podiums in the first half of the year, and top-five finishes in the remaining races, it’s clear that his most recent result was merely a fluke. (CL)

5. Oliver Eriksson

Fourth place in Indianapolis was a well-deserved result for the second-highest ranked rookie in the Supercar class. Eriksson has the heat wins and the consistency to back up the fact that he belongs at the highest level, but can he earn a podium in one of the final five rounds? (CL)

6. Sebastian Eriksson

Since winning in Louisville, Sebastian Eriksson has slipped down the audience a little, but three top six finishes on the bounce has been something of a resurgence for Olsberg’s elder statesman. He was OMSE Honda’s top performer in Atlantic City last year, and he’ll be looking to use that experience to again put on a strong showing in New Jersey. (DW)

7. Austin Dyne

Again, Austin Dyne finished in the top five in Indianapolis. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan driver’s return to form may be one of the quieter stories of the season, but it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. Top fives will no doubt continue to be the aim, but I see no reason why he can’t continue to push forward into the latter stages of the season. (DW)

8. Chris Atkinson

I’m still in awe of Atkinson’s recovery from a rollover to complete every lap of the second Ottawa final. But that’s ancient history by now, as is his maiden podium in New England. Atlantic City marks the first anniversary of his time with Subaru Rally Team USA and in Red Bull GRC. Know what would be the ultimate way to celebrate? A win. (CL)

9. Patrik Sandell

Let’s be real: Sandell is due. He’s had little to no luck at all this season, and many of his worst results have been due to circumstances beyond his control. Thankfully, the Subarus were fairly strong in Atlantic City last season (fun fact: it’s the closest course to Subaru of America’s headquarters in Cherry Hill, NJ)—and Sandell is the defending runner-up here. (CL)

10. Cabot Bigham

Cabot Bigham has continued to steadily improve throughout his debut Supercar campaign, but now we’re into the business end of the season. Bryan Herta Rallysport finished on the podium in Atlantic City last year, and Bigham should be aiming to repeat that. (DW)